'Time to move on from Shaheen, Naseem & Haris?", Former cricketer slams Pakistan’s pace trio

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has questioned the performances of the team’s fast bowlers—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf - after their poor showing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Following Pakistan’s loss to India in Dubai on Sunday, Hafeez suggested that it’s time to move on from the trio and give opportunities to other bowlers.  

Speaking a local sports show, Hafeez pointed out that these pacers have not been able to deliver in major tournaments for the past two years.  

"The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and now in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025," Hafeez said.  

He further emphasized that Pakistan should start looking at other bowling options.  

"It’s time to acknowledge that, despite their talent, they haven’t proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan. Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers like Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza. These players are waiting for their chances—they are also Pakistani, and they deserve an opportunity," he added.  

Hafeez also raised concerns about Babar Azam’s inability to perform in crucial matches, particularly against India.  

"Babar Azam has been playing for Pakistan for the past 10 years, yet he hasn’t been able to help Pakistan secure a single victory against India," Hafeez remarked, comparing him to former Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq.  

### Pakistan’s Struggling Bowling Attack  

The fast bowlers struggled in both of Pakistan’s group-stage matches against New Zealand and India. Their spells proved to be expensive, with all three pacers conceding a high number of runs.  

Shaheen Afridi was costly in both games. Against New Zealand, he bowled 10 overs, gave away 68 runs, and failed to take a wicket, ending with an economy rate of 6.80. Against India, he picked up two wickets in eight overs but conceded 72 runs at an economy rate of 9.25.  

Naseem Shah had a mixed performance. He managed to take two wickets against New Zealand while conceding 63 runs in 10 overs. However, he remained wicketless against India, giving away 37 runs in eight overs.  

Haris Rauf was the most expensive of the three. Against New Zealand, he conceded 83 runs in 10 overs while picking up two wickets. In the match against India, he bowled seven overs, remained wicketless, and gave away 52 runs.  

After back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India, Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals look slim. The defending champions will now play their final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27. A win alone might not be enough, as their qualification also depends on results from other matches.